NC State is playing Notre Dame in South Bend this afternoon, in one of the biggest matchups in the history of the program. It won’t be easy to walk out of Notre Dame Stadium victorious, but if they do, I think these will be the keys to their victory.
Get out to an EARLY lead
NC State is the most explosive offense that Notre Dame has faced thus far in 2017, ranking 24th in the nation in Total Offense. The Fighting Irish’s offense is fairly one dimensional, though it is a very scary dimension. Notre Dame’s rushing attack ranks 6th in the nation, averaging 317 yards per game, but their passing attack has been less than impressive. First-year starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush has only thrown for 903 yards so far, and has only completed 51.3% of his passes.
If the Wolfpack can get out to a lead and make Notre Dame chase points, and depend upon Wimbush’s arm, the Wolfpack definetly have the edge.
Take CARE of the Football
NC State has been phenomenal under Dave Doeren when it comes to taking care of the football. The Wolfpack has committed less turnovers than any team in the nation, handing the ball to the other team only 3 times. With that being said, the Irish are 9th in the nation at creating turnovers, taking the ball away from their opponent 17 times through 7 games! If Finley can keep his streak of pass attempts without an interception going, and his teammates can hold onto the football, they will put themselves in a good position to win. Handing the ball over to Notre Dame in South Bend is a recipe for disaster.
D-Lineman Not Named Chubb Need to Rise Up
Notre Dame has two future NFL Linemen in LT Mike McGlinchey and LG Quenton Nelson that will be focused on eliminating Chubb. Last week Pitt did a lot of double-teaming and low blocks to deal with Chubb. If Kentavius Street, B.J. Hill, Justin Jones, and Darian Roseboro can splatter the box score with sacks and tackles for loss, Notre Dame will be in trouble. The Irish don’t have nearly as much talent and experience on the other side.
Stop the Run
The NC State run defense is ranked 6th in the nation and Notre Dame’s rush offense is 6th a season well. The Wolfpack defense hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher all season, but they will be put to the test today. Irish RB Josh Adams is averaging 129 Yards per game and 9 Yards per carry, and QB Brandon Wimbush is probably more effective with his legs than arm. He has 498 Yards rushing and 9 rushing TD’s.
Adams might be in the Heisman conversation, but he isn’t unstoppable. When he faced another top-10 rush defense in Georgia, he was held to 2.8 Yards per carry.
If NC State can keep Adams under 100 Yards, that would be a recipe for a win.
Stars need to SHINE
Notre Dame hasn’t played an offense like NC State’s. If the Wolfpack can produce long drives in South Bend, they will stifle the home field advantage, and keep Adams off the field. If Samuels, Hines and Harmon are playing at their best, Notre Dame will be tested. The Irish have only given up 20 points once this year, and they lost to Georgia. If the Wolfpack stars shine bright, and post 20+ points, they will have the edge.
